Measles cases are on the rise globally and here in Illinois the number is increasing as well. Vaccines are 97% effective in preventing this highly contagious disease. To learn more about this infection and get information on vaccination, go to https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/measles.html. Learn how to identify measles and the safe and effective vaccine that can prevent this potentially life-threatening infection for adults and children.

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Request educational documents to assist with education regarding lead exposure and health effects during childhood and pregnancy

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Educational efforts focus on prevention methods and target high-risk groups. Lead poisoning awareness is increased by the distribution of educational materials, through various community-based outreach activities, annual health fairs, conferences, and coordination of training sessions. Training provides skills and knowledge to local health care providers related to lead poisoning prevention, treatment and reporting

Evaluating and Testing Children

Identification of children with elevated blood lead levels ensures that appropriate medical follow-up occurs and adverse effects of lead poisoning are minimized. According to Illinois law, physicians are required to test all children 6 years of age or younger if they reside in a high-risk area, and they are required to be evaluated if they reside in a low-risk area. The Illinois Lead Program recommends all children be evaluated or tested as indicated at ages 12 months and 24 months, and 3, 4,5, and 6 years of age, as indicated by Handbook for Providers of Healthy Kids Services (updates reflecting new recommendations and updates to the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act to be published soon) using the program’s Childhood Lead Risk Questionnaire and Guidelines and the IDPH Childhood Evaluation and Testing Recommendations.

Illinois law requires all children be assessed for risk of lead exposure, and tested if necessary, for enrollment into daycare, preschool, and kindergarten. Proof of evaluation and testing, if deemed necessary, must be provided. (See the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act and/or the Lead Poisoning Prevention Code for details.)